The Circular Economy Innovation Partnership emphasizes Nigeria’s imperative to transition from a linear economy to a circular one, promoting reuse and recycling, as stated in a press release.
At a circular economy roadmap engagement session in Lagos, the Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health at the Federal Ministry of Environment, Olubunmi Olusanya, revealed plans to unveil the roadmap on March 30th before making it public.
A circular economy involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and recycling materials and products for as long as possible, minimizing waste and maximizing resources.
CEO of Trinomics and chair of Acen Foundation, Koen Rademaekers, stressed the importance of involving multiple sectors and avoiding partial roadmaps. He highlighted the need for clarified mandates, harmonized regulations, and inter-ministerial collaboration to facilitate the transition. Additionally, public-private partnerships are essential for financing, especially in African countries with limited budgets.
Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, noted Lagos’ daily waste generation of 13,000 tons and emphasized the need to harness waste as a resource. Lagos plans to develop a circular economy framework, collaborating with partners like the Circular Economy Innovation Partnership, to create opportunities for informal waste collectors and improve waste management efficiency.
Deputy Consul General and Head Economic Department of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lagos, Leonie van der Stijl, expressed the Netherlands’ commitment to partnering with Nigeria on the circular economy. She highlighted the importance of international cooperation in addressing global challenges and pledged Dutch support in knowledge sharing and private sector collaboration for Nigeria’s circular economy roadmap.
